The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen

What if your father, in a dream, were to ask whether you really want to know the answers you seek? My answer might be “maybe?” with hands over eyes but fingers slightly apart for peeking out. Liz and Marisa want answers, and to advance their careers as journalist and detective, but they have to stand up to bosses to do so. They are also finding and facing painful truths, the damage from war, and the secrets people kept. Three missing girls from the war years, lost in all that disruption and confusion, a missing child in the news, and more painful discoveries to come. It’s sad to think of the deliberate leveling of a village, with the stoic acceptance of wartime necessity, based on real events.
I found myself sharing their trepidation and hope as I read on, with breaks to breathe and contemplate. So many mysterious threads and secrets and twists, woven together perfectly and written so well. So much travel by tube, train, car, van, and walking . . . a dizzying tour of England from my armchair. Compromises will have me rethinking my own decisions as well as theirs, as these characters and their dilemmas stay with me even after finishing this most satisfying and engaging book. I’d love to read more about these strong and clever women if it were to be a series. Please, Rhys Bowen, could I have more?

Liz works to solve the mystery of Little Lucy, but in the process discovers her own truths about the past. Rhys Bowen crafts a beautiful story, weaving the past and the present to draw the reader in throughout the book. Bowen did a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat, as multiple mysteries unfolded. I did find some of the discoveries a little far-fetched. The strengths of the plot were contrasted by some of the weaknesses in character development. Some of the interactions throughout the book also felt unnatural, as it seemed odd for everyone to be so willing to talk to her and share information. During a disagreement between Marisa and Liz, Marisa seemed to forgive and move on all too easily. I still enjoyed this book, but it definitely wasn't my favorite read.

I needed something relaxing and entertaining and this was just the book. I had read some books by Rhys Bowen before and they have always been well written with an interesting plot and characters you can relate to. The Rose Arbor is no different. It combines family secrets, a child's disappearance and some history and manges to keep the reader engaged throughout all of it. The England in the sixties atmosphere adds a little extra charm as does the storyline about the abandoned village . Overall, a very pleasant read.

This was such an interesting read-so many twists and turns! A young child is kidnapped in London and the hunt is on. Elizabeth is a journalist who thought she had a great story about a politico. Unfortunately, he was friends with the publisher and her story was killed. She was demoted to writing obituaries. Elizabeth’s roommate is Marisa who’s is a policeman assigned to the case. The main story takes place in 1968 but there are flashbacks to unsolved cases of missing children during the evacuation of children in WW2. The story weaves in and out as Elizabeth and Marisa solve the kidnapping case. But there are surprises along the way!

I had never read this author before but I had heard from fellow readers how good she is. So I took a chance and I was glad that I did, Three young girls who were being relocated for their safety during WWI and a young girl in the present time disappear mysteriously. A female reporter at a local paper( who has been demoted to write obituaries) takes up the case with her friend in the Police Department. While trying to solve the disappearances, the reporter begins to question who she really is and how this connects to the cases. A great read ; I plan to go back to read other books by this author.

Liz and Marisa try and track down a missing girl, Little Lucy, but discover plenty of surprises along the way.

I really enjoyed this book and found the story gripping throughout. I loved the dynamic of Liz and her friend Marisa and their experiences of being professional women in the 60’s. The characters felt real and relatable and the story kept me guessing right until the end. The descriptions of the abandoned village were vivid and I could really imagine being at a guest house in a seaside town, out of season eating less than palatable food!

I did find Liz’s hunches to be a far fetched at times but ultimately an engaging read, a real page turner.

The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen is a compelling novel that weaves together the past and present, unraveling a mystery that spans decades. Set in 1968 London, the story follows Liz Houghton, an obituary writer eager for a breakthrough story. When a young girl goes missing, Liz sees an opportunity to make her mark in journalism. The author blends suspense with historical intrigue, drawing readers into a world where past secrets cast long shadows. The vivid writing shines in this novel, making it a must read for anyone looking for a gripping and atmospheric story.

This was a really good novel weaving through many mysteries and family secrets! A well done plot which left me guessing till the end. I did have some ideas, but could not exactly guess what had really happened. A bit of romance though not overwhelming, and even then I could not be sure about James's personality. A touch of coincidence in the plot did disturb me but not enough to disappoint me! A great and hooking storyline!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

I am a huge fan of Rhys Bowen, and The Rose Arbor did not disappoint. It's definitely a new favorite.

:Liz is working her way up as a news reporter in 1968. She was just demoted, her boyfriend has skipped town, and she has helicopter parents. She's trying to make her own way, but it looks bleak.

Then she gets a tipoff about a recent missing girl, and she decides to take the slim chance to report on the story. This opens up a web of carefully crafted lies, and she chases different clues to figure out what happened to three girls who went missing in the war years.

This was well done. We follow Liz as she tries to extract the truth, opening up her own life story and shattering her perfect home life. There are so many questions to be answered, and Liz doesn't give up. Along the way she meets a potential romantic interest who helps her uncover the truth. Will everything be a dead end, and she'll lost her job? Or will she get to the bottom of the mystery and finally find love?

For the most part, the story was credible and compelling. I didn't want to put the book down until I knew what happened! Rhys Bowen is a master of laying out all of the information ahead of time, sprinkling the clues throughout the book, so when it all comes together at the end it makes sense and is satisfying..

Her non-series books usually go back and forth between time periods, which isn't my favorite outline, but this one doesn't. It does have some flashbooks that provide an added layer of depth and mystery.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

London 1968: Liz Houghton is writing obits for a London newspaper but longs to go back to writing news. The disappearance of a little girl, Lucy, has captivated the city and if Liz can break the story, it just may be the way to return to new reporting. Liz's friend and flat mate Marissa is a police officer assigned to the case with senior detective DI Jones.
Liz follows the detectives to Dorset where she makes the discovery of three little girls who disappeared when being evacuated during the war. DI Jones was involved with the cases of the girls...one was found dead, but no trace was ever found of the other two.
No further clue being found in Dorset, the detectives are called back to London. Liz, however, finds herself drawn to the village of Tydeham, requisitioned during the war by the military and the residents forced to leave their village behind with the promise that they could return once the war was over. Why does a place that Liz has never been to before seem strangely familiar to her?

This is the first book by author Rhys Bowen that I have read and I look forward to reading more of her stories. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to publication.